World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Argentina and Bolivia Secure Crucial Victories

Argentina Cruises Past Chile

Argentina extended their unbeaten streak to 30 matches with a comfortable 2-1 victory over Chile in their World Cup 2026 qualifier on Thursday. Lionel Messi scored a penalty in the 14th minute to give Argentina an early lead, which was doubled by Lautaro Martinez in the 34th minute.

Chile pulled one back through Ben Brereton Diaz in the 56th minute, but Argentina held on for the win. The result leaves Argentina top of the CONMEBOL standings with 19 points from seven matches, while Chile remains in seventh place with seven points.

Bolivia Thrashes Venezuela

Bolivia recorded a stunning 4-0 victory over Venezuela in their World Cup 2026 qualifier on Thursday. Marcelo Martins Moreno scored a brace in the first half, while Erwin Saavedra and Victor Abrego added goals in the second half.

The win was Bolivia's first in the qualifiers and moves them up to ninth place in the CONMEBOL standings with four points from seven matches. Venezuela, meanwhile, remains bottom of the standings with just one point from seven matches.

Upcoming Matches

The World Cup 2026 qualifiers will continue on Sunday, with Argentina facing Venezuela and Chile playing Bolivia. Both matches will be crucial for the teams' hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.